There was a treasure mountain in the sea, its many rare treasures shining with a brilliant, dazzling light.
A seaman obtained a pearl one cun (about 1/30 of a meter) in diameter, which glistened brightly. He boarded a ship to take it home.
Before the ship had sailed a hundred li, however, dark clouds suddenly filled the sky. A fierce wind unleashed massive waves, tossing the vessel violently. A terrifying flood dragon emerged from the stormy sea.
The crew urged the seaman, "It seems the dragon wants your pearl. Throw it into the sea at once, or you will bring disaster upon us all!"
The seaman was in a dilemma. He couldn't bear to part with the pearl, yet he feared the imminent danger. Beads of perspiration covered his brow from anxiety. Finally, clenching his teeth against the pain, he gouged a piece of flesh from his own thigh and concealed the pearl within. Immediately, the storm subsided.
Upon reaching home, the seaman promptly retrieved the dazzling pearl. But not long after, he died from the festering wound in his thigh.